Rheumatology

Rheumatology treatments differ depending on which disease you have. At the Rheumatic Disease Center offices in Milwaukee and Glendale, Wisconsin, an expert team of rheumatologists provides accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. They care for patients with rare disorders like myositis and common diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Call your nearest Rheumatic Disease Center office today or book an appointment online to access superior rheumatology care.

What is rheumatology?

Rheumatology is a medical specialty focused on diseases affecting your musculoskeletal system — the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These conditions cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and joint abnormalities.

Rheumatology also includes autoimmune diseases. These conditions develop when your immune system develops a flaw, targeting healthy cells and tissues as if they were a health threat.

The result is inflammation, pain, and organ damage. Systemic (bodywide) autoimmune disorders also cause joint inflammation, so rheumatologists have the in-depth knowledge to specialize in these diseases.

What diseases come under rheumatology?

Diseases that cause joint inflammation take many forms. For instance, there are over 100 kinds of arthritis. The more widespread conditions the Rheumatic Disease Center team treats include:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is by far the leading cause of long-term joint pain. It develops over the years as protective cartilage wears off the ends of your bones. The resulting friction causes inflammation, stiffness, weakness, and joint distortion. Osteoarthritis primarily affects people in later life.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to destroy cells in the joint lining.

Gout

Gout is arthritis caused by crystals formed from uric acid lodging in the joints. These crystals often affect the big toes but can develop elsewhere, causing short attacks of excruciating pain.

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disorder where large patches of white, flaky skin appear. Some people with psoriasis also develop arthritis.

Vasculitis

Vasculitis thickens the blood vessel walls, restricting blood flow along veins and arteries. It can result in organ damage and failure.

Lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) is an autoimmune disorder that affects many different systems and organs.

How are rheumatology diseases treated?

Most rheumatological conditions can’t be cured, so treatment focuses on reducing your symptoms and improving your quality of life. Your treatment plan can include:

• Physical therapy
• Hot and cold compresses
• Taping or strapping
• Splint or brace
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
• Biologic drugs
• Immunosuppressant medicines
• Steroid injections
• Hyaluronic acid injections
• Radiofrequency ablation

Treatment usually begins with a conservative approach. If that doesn’t work or stops working, you might benefit from a procedure like radiofrequency ablation. This involves deadening your nerves in the painful area using radiofrequency energy.

Call the Rheumatic Disease Center today or book an appointment online to learn more about benefiting from expert rheumatology diagnosis and treatment.